2018 BMW M3 · 4,515 MOT tests
2018 BMW M3 reliability
2018 BMW M3s fail 6.8% of first MOT tests, 53% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 17 of 18 M3 years (4,515 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW M3s: 12.5%)
- 6.8%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW M3s: 12.5%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 53% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 5
- 32,804
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 5
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 4,515
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2018 against the years either side
- 2017 cars: 46% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2018 car does better)
- 2021 cars: 81% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2018 car does worse)
- Strong point: suspension, 27% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2018 car carries a 67 plate (January–February 2018), or a 18 plate (March–August 2018), or a 68 plate (September–December 2018).
Common problems
What fails on a 2018 BMW M3
Fail rate by area
- Tyres4%
- Suspension1.4%
- Lights and electrics0.7%
- Number plates and VIN0.7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors0.3%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.2%
- Brakes0.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.64%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.11%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Coil spring fractured or broken 0.6%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Number plate does not meet standards 0.35%
The plate does not meet legal specifications, so it must be replaced with a compliant one before the car is driven.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 0.35%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 0.35%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (3.9%) · Nail in tyre, monitor (1.42%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (1.33%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (1.22%) · Child seat limits belt inspection (1.02%) · Tyre has a shallow cut (0.84%)
Other years
Every BMW M3 year
The full picture: BMW M3 reliability. Before you pay for any BMW M3, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2018 BMW M3 reliable?
2018 BMW M3s fail 6.8% of first MOT tests, 53% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 17 of 18 M3 years (4,515 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2018 BMW M3 MOT?
Most often tyre ply or cords exposed (1.64% of tests), tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.11% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (0.6% of tests).
How many miles should a 2018 BMW M3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 5, a typical 2018 BMW M3 shows 32,804 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2018 car?
A car first registered in 2018 carries a 67 plate (January–February 2018), or a 18 plate (March–August 2018), or a 68 plate (September–December 2018).
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